Celebrating 20 years of friendship

MEDIA RELEASE: August 2, 2012

Japanese officials will visit Warrnambool next week to celebrate the 20th anniversary of our Sister City Relationship with Miura.

Warrnambool Mayor Jacinta Ermacora and Miura Mayor Yoshida will officially unveil a new rotunda at the Miura Friendship Gardens during the visit.

Mayor Yoshida will also visit schools throughout Warrnambool and attend a Civic Reception to mark the anniversary.

Cr Ermacora said the visit would be an exciting opportunity to exchange news and ideas between the two cities.

“Warrnambool and Miura share a lot of similarities, both being on the coast and popular tourist destinations in the summer months,” she said.

“We also have a strong focus on how the two cities can benefit each other, including student and employment exchange programs.”

Miura is situated on the Miura Peninsula, 50 kilometres south of Tokyo with a population of approximately 50,000.

Fishing is the city’s major industry, with the main catches being squid, tuna, abalone and cockles, while agricultural production includes radishes, melons, cabbages, pumpkins and mandarins.

Warrnambool City Council’s ties to the Japanese city began in 1992 when the then Warrnambool-Miura Friendship Committee was formed.

Councillors from Warrnambool and Miura have made return visits to both cities since the relationship was formalised.

Cr Ermacora thanked everyone who had contributed to the Sister City relationship during the past 20 years.

“The 20th anniversary is a great opportunity to reflect on the combined contributions from both cities so far,” she said.

“And it’s also a chance to look toward the future and what our Sister City relationship can provide in the next 20 years to come.”